Actor Michael Wright, known for ‘The Five Heartbeats’ and ‘V,’ dies at 70
Michael Wright, an actor celebrated for roles in “The Five Heartbeats,” “The Principal” and the TV series “V,” died at age 70 in Los Angeles after heart failure and complications from a degenerative neurological disease.
Michael Wright, an actor recognized for his performances in the film "The Five Heartbeats" and the television series "V," died at age 70 in Los Angeles on August 19. The family said his death resulted from heart failure and complications of a degenerative neurological condition known as Marchiafava-Bignami disease.
Born on April 30, 1956, in New York City, Wright appeared in more than 50 movies and TV shows, including "Streamers," "Sugar Hill," "The Principal," and the HBO drama "Oz." In the 1991 Robert Altman film "The Five Heartbeats," he portrayed lead vocalist Eddie King Jr.
"It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright," his wife Susan Wright wrote in an Instagram post.
"Michael was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a loved one, a friend, and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations," the family statement added.
Susan Wright said the family was grieving a deep personal loss and thanked the public for the outpouring of support. She indicated that further details about Wright's life and legacy would be shared when appropriate.